The Trolley Stop has been recognized as one of the 10 best restaurants in Ohio by National Elite. This invitation only organization of renowned restaurants, top chefs and professionals mission is to recognize and reward the country’s top industry leaders.

According to their website “Each National Elite Awarded restaurant demonstrates the successful combination of the following:

Attention to Detail – Our Awarded restaurants are the best for a reason, they pay attention to detail, they care about exciting and satisfying patrons, and they take pride in their plating and presentation. A little meticulousness goes a long way and sets our award recipients a step above the rest.

Dedication & Passion – Our award recipients, comprised of first-class executive chefs and successful restaurateurs, have the finest skills and unparalleled dedication. They take pride in serving culinary classics and pushing the envelope in developing and utilizing new techniques to delight our palates.

Patron Satisfaction – Consumer feedback is important. Your favorite chefs at our Awarded restaurants listen and execute what you like, just how you like it. Our Awarded restaurants take patron satisfaction seriously and maintain top consumer ratings and reviews.”

The Top 10 winners for our state are:

You can decide for yourself by dining at the Trolley Stop in the Oregon District.

Chef Rae Rosbaugh has been raising the quality and variety on the menu and recently introduced a new menu and here are some of the highlights:

Of course there are plenty more options on the menu including grass-fed beef burgers, soups and sandwiches and don’t forget Spaghetti Tuesday– a Plate of Pasta, with Meat or Tomato Sauce and Side Salad & Garlic Bread after 5 pm every Tuesday for just $8

Trolley Stop is located at 530 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.

Toxic Brew Co is partnering up with Middle West Spirits to celebrate the best of the refreshments we both lovingly make with our own hands just for you, right here in Ohio. Visit our taproom starting at 6:30, and for $24 Giri from Middle West and Toxic’s Handsome Nick will take you through a killer pairing list:

On Saturday, August 26, the Oregon District Business Association is putting on its second annual District Day event. The free, family-friendly event will begin at 1:00 pm and end at 6:00 pm. Start (or finish) your adventure at the Bier Garden at Fifth and Pine streets and explore the businesses of the Oregon District.

District Day is a chance for people to enjoy the vibrancy of the Historic Oregon District by sampling food from participating restaurants, browsing through retailer’s sidewalk sales, and enjoying live music from local bands and DJs, sponsored by WYSO. There is no admission to participate in activities, but bring cash for the bier garden or if you’d like to patronize one of the District businesses! (Most merchants and restaurants accept major credit cards.)

This year, the event will feature:

a “Bier Garden” set up with a beer truck serving local beer

three live funk bands

dance performances

WYSO’s Basim Blunt as emcee

face painting for children, courtesy of Gem City Tattoo Club

inflatable games

cornhole boards and other giant games

It’s Saturday, so on-street parking at metered spaces is free! Look for the brightly colored Oregon District parking signs for more free on-street parking, or use the Transportation Center Garage or paid lots in the District for convenient, affordable options.

Stuffed Breakfast Pepper Rings– $9
Sausage and cheddar inside rings of red and green bell peppers, topped with an egg* how you like it.

Serving daily from breakfast to late night eats, check out their full menu here. 416 Diner is now offering a 10% discount to those in uniform, including law enforcement, firefighters, nurses, military, teachers and social service workers, show your ID or badge and receive 10% off your meal!

When you are bartending in a place like Lily’s Bistro, being curious is part of the job. They are constantly exploring what they can do with seasonal, fresh ingredients, meaning their menu is perpetually evolving. As their food menu changes, their cocktail, beer, and wine menus are always changing with it. Amber Brady, head bartender at Lily’s, has been handling that job for a long time and handling it well. She embraces the challenge of keeping up with all the working parts in the cocktail menu, from developing cocktails that pair well with food to navigating the complexities of Ohio liquor constraints.

Beyond her considerable talents, she has a personality that could light up a few city blocks. Her pride in the city she works in is almost a force in itself; she sees the wealth of culinary and bar talent Dayton possesses. The specials that Lily’s offers every evening are for a good reason. Emily and Amber use those to test concepts that, with a little bit of tweaking, could end up on a future menu. The well-curated cocktail, wine, and beer menus have something for every taste. If you love the classics, there are a few explorations of those cocktails. Those that want something more adventurous also have their Funky section to try out. And every new menu offers at least one gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey, and rum cocktail.

Lily’s chef,servers, Amber and owner Emily all have input on the cocktail menu.

Amber also knows how hard it can be to keep up the creativity. She enlists the whole staff to come up with their own ideas for cocktails, or suggestions for beer and wine. They know that there is wisdom in crowds, and they use it to keep their menu lively. The other challenge to the creativity, one that all Ohio bars face, is the state removing liquors to sell. Ohio controls what can and cannot be sold commercially in the state, so some of the bitters and Amari that Amber loves can be lost if they are not robust sellers. She does not lament it, she just sees it as an another challenge. This encourages more experimentation but ultimately is it difficult when a spirit can no longer be sold in a state. While a fine rhubarb liqueur can be replicated, there are subtle nuances that would be lost from a century-old family recipe.

If you have not met this bartending bundle of energy, you need to head over to Lily’s Bistro and experience Amber for yourself. Not only is she one of the top bartenders in the Dayton community, she is a huge advocate for the city where she creates those cocktails. If love is a secret ingredient in a drink, her drinks are filled with them.

How did you get into bartending?

I started in the service industry in the kitchens and back of the house. I have worked in several bar and restaurants and had bar-backed some. I had also worked auxiliary bars during high volume events. While I was working at Blind Bobs, Lily’s was born, and I came on as a server from the beginning. This opportunity grew into me bartending full time and eventually becoming the bar manager. I had always wanted to go a bit beyond volume bartending, and more into the culinary side of the craft and learn more about obscure spirits.

What is your favorite drink to make?

I enjoy making most drinks! I have favorites of the moment, however, I just really enjoy finding a good balance, putting it in front of a guest, and getting an honest reaction, hopefully a good one!

Which drink makes you internally cringe?

I don’t think any specific drink does that. Possibly a mojito on a super busy night, when I’m low on mint. We call it the “Mojito Effect”: once one goes out, every guest wants one. However, it’s a great drink that I don’t mind making at all, as long as there is plenty of mint!!

Do you have a favorite spirit you like to work with?

I tried to narrow it down but I just couldn’t! I love bourbon and gin especially, but I absolutely love just about any Amaro you put in front of me. I love being challenged by a spirit that might not be that accessible to most people and I really appreciate the craft that is behind most Amari.

The story behind the name Porn or Pawn is amazing…

When you go out for a drink in Dayton, where is your favorite place to go?

I made drinks for the Mayor of New York, Bill de Blasio. Sean Lennon was in Lily’s for lunch one day and I poured his girlfriend a lemonade. I’ve made Dave Chappelle a few mules.

What do you do when you are not bartending?

Spend time with my husband and son. I also go to school, work on a horror podcast and try to find time to play in bands! I’m a busy gal.

What are your favorite trends from the last year?

The resurgence of mezcal! Keep it coming!

What trends do you see coming to Dayton over the next six months?

Beverage wise, I think more rose, more sour beers, mezcal, and coffee cocktails! And I don’t mean Irish coffees, I mean coffee as a bitter component rather than the main ingredient!

What advice do you want to give bartenders just getting into the business?

Experiment. Keep an open mind. Find balance, speed, and consistency. Use jiggers. Learn as much as you can about everything behind your bar. Have fun with it!

What do you love most about Dayton?

We may be a smaller city, but we have a lot of heart. We find a way to reinvent and persevere and that’s inspiring.

Amber, her son and husband at Halloween.

Most interesting thing you have seen from behind the bar?

While I have definitely seen a lot of crazy stuff in this industry, each Hauntfest on 5th that I work brings a whole new set of interesting sights to see!

How has bartending changed in the time you have been in the industry?

I think that we think more of the bar industry than we once did. I think that in Dayton, Ohio, we are keeping up with the bigger cities and not just as bartenders, but as bar patrons. The bartending scene is constantly evolving. The business of booze is thriving. Here in Ohio, we have distilleries and breweries popping up everywhere. Social media has fueled the craft everything trend, including cocktails. As trends flow from bigger cities to smaller ones, we all grow. Our bar guests evolve as well. They are becoming more educated and open minded when it comes to their choices in beverages. I think that rules.

What do you wish customers knew that helped you do your job?

That a bar’s signature cocktail list is theirs, and we don’t all have the same drinks and ingredients. However, I will try my best to make something you’ll enjoy! Talk to us, we want you to enjoy your drink!

If you were not a bartender, what career would you be pursuing?

I am actually attending Sinclair Community College to hopefully one day become a Physical Therapist Assistant. However, it will be hard to get me out from behind the bar completely. I love what I do!

After seeing the signs on the windows of the former Fifth Street Deli, I reached out to building owner Guy Fragmin to ask about his plans for 416 Diner and he was kind enough to invite me down to chat about his new concept. What I didn’t expect was to find him on scaffolding working on the remodel himself. As we talked he shared that he’d been a chimney sweep, worked in construction and then spent 20 years working in advertising for the Berry Company.

So how exactly does that lead to opening a restaurant? Guy explained that growing up in West Virginia his family had a deli/dinner and a bar and restaurant and that going there as a kid left him with great memories and he’d always dreamed of opening his own place. He left West Virginia to attend the Ohio Institute of Photography and that’s how he ended up in Dayton.

In 2005 he bought the building at 416 Fifth Street in the Oregon District, as an investment property and on the day he closed, he was approached by Rob Strong to rent the first floor for a deli. After 10 years the Fifth Street Deli has outgrown the space and is currently renovating the old Canal Street Tavern at 308 East First Street and will soon open the Canal Street Arcade and Deli. Fragmin is happy to see the growth of that deli and wishes him much success in his new space. Thinking about the empty space and the plans he’s been making to have a diner since he was a child, Guy really tried to think about what the area really needed, looking for a niche market that wasn’t being served in the area.

So his concept for early breakfast, lunch and late night really great comfort food was born. An early draft of the menu shows eggs and breakfast meat combos, about 1/2 a dozen omelets, pancakes and waffles. And what’s a great dinner without burgers, BLT’s, and a great Philly cheese steak sandwich. Fragmin also got quite excited about the Pepperoni and Sausage Rolls that will be his signature item. Guy explained to me that these were a staple of growing up in West Virginia and theses hand held treats are served in bars, bakeries and convenience stores all over the state.

When the remodel is done, there will be booth seating against the east wall, some tables near the front and counters, both low and high, overlooking the open kitchen on the west wall. He anticipates opening in late April/early May, based on construction and permits. He was quick to offer up gratitude for the help he’s received from Cindy at the Health Department, Rachel Bankowitz, who handles historic preservation for the City and Jen Cadieux at the Downtown Partnership, who he said has been just incredibly helpful.

Curious to see what the new place will look like? Here’s a photo of the plans, which are posted on the front door. Sorry for the fuzzy picture, I’m no photographer, unlike Fragmin, who is and will be able to take great pictures of his food once the kitchen is up and running.

And since it will be a few months before we’ll be eating at 416 Diner, I asked Guy where he likes to dine out. He shared “I’m a big fan of local, I don’t do chains. I really enjoy the Corner Kitchen and Meadowlark.”

Stay tuned for updates from us on the progress and we’ll be sure and let you know when opening day is scheduled.

Today, Sunday, August 28, from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m., The Oregon District is celebrating District Day. District Day is a chance to enjoy the vibrancy of the Historic Oregon District by sampling food from participating restaurants, browsing through retailer’s sidewalk sales, and enjoying live music from local bands and DJs, sponsored by Omega Music.

This event is intended highlight to the independent and eclectic nature of the Oregon District businesses and community. The event is produced by a committee of the Oregon District Business Association, with Omega Music and the Downtown Dayton Partnership. The full music line up will be announced on Monday, August 22.

“The Oregon District is all about having fun, good food, entertainment, and eclectic and specialty shopping,” said Natalie Skilliter, owner of Corner Kitchen, ODBA Board Member and Chair of District Day. “Oregon District businesses want to showcase all of the incredible things we do every day of the year by highlighting and celebrating the variety of offerings along 5th street and Wayne Avenue on District Day. There is something for everyone in your family.”

A number of Oregon District businesses will have special discounts and the Downtown Dayton Partnership will provide interactive sidewalk games and roving entertainers. Some of the activities include:

It’s not a difficult task to discover visual arts in downtown Dayton. Whether you’re exploring a gallery space or admiring local products sold in downtown businesses, Dayton’s rich arts amenities abound. Last year, we introduced our first event in the new Summer in the City series in May, and it was a blast. But we’ve got a lot more in store for art lovers at this year’s event. Pack your bags, because you’re in for a trip! Art in the City is the next signature event of the 2016 DP&L Summer in the City lineup, and it promises to be quite the visual feast.

The Downtown Dayton Partnership is helping to roll out a new juried art show. The Dayton Visual Arts Center pulled together 26 talented local artists whose work will be on display in different downtown businesses. Our goals are simple: We hope to encourage art lovers to discover a new downtown business, and we want to introduce regular patrons to incredible local art. We’re also throwing another element into the mix: You get to decide which artist nabs the title of “People’s Choice” by voting for your favorite artist or artwork. Voting starts Friday, June 3, and closes at noon on June 17. Visit downtowndayton.org for details.

To kick off the open voting session, we’re hosting a huge visual arts party, complete with live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and other interactive programs throughout downtown. It’s free! It’s fantastic! It’s fun for all ages! And it lasts from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, June 3.

You can meet the artists from the juried show pop-up galleries in their spaces, and you can check out an array of other arts activities sprinkled around downtown, including:

The Front Street Experience: Watch artists blow glass and create street art on canvas, get your face painted, and take a selfie at the art wall, located on Courthouse Square. While you’re there, check out more fun going on for the kickoff of Dayton Pride weekend, Affair on the Square.

K12 Gallery & TEJAS: The whole family will enjoy visual arts activities and special performances by SMAG Dance Collective. Get down on the dance floor with music by DJ Tony Whitfield and DJ Scorpius Max. Visit “Make n’ Take” stations and create garden art planters and garden wire sculptures. Juice bar and snacks also available for purchase.

Mendelson’s Mural: A new mural-painting company, The Mural Machine, is taking art to the streets and transforming buildings. Watch them work on their current project, Mendelson’s Outlet, off First Street.

Art on 5th: Following the success of its first art show and handmade craft sale, theNorthGate returns with its next gallery and market, located at Fifth and Wilkinson in the former historic Salvation Army building.

Dayton Art Institute: If you haven’t seen the latest exhibit, Into the Ether, you’ll be inspired to visit the interactive light gallery when you visit the museum’s special Art in the City location near Lily’s Bistro (329 E. Fifth St.). Make your own luminary with color-changing LED lights!

Innovative Arts Nexus (IAN): The University of Dayton’s former Art Street program has gone beyond art as a creative medium for expression and turned it into an application for creative problem solving and innovation. Learn more about the process and challenge your perceptions at their interactive experience in front of the Clair Lofts (St. Clair Street between Third and Fourth streets).

Nucleus CoShare: Not only will you get to see one of the largest pop-up gallery installations at this space, you can experience a variety of other local artists. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could work here? Memberships to the co-shared office space are still available. Chat with the staff on-site to learn more about rates and benefits (besides being surrounded by inspirational artwork).

Courteous Mass: Get a new perspective on your city from the seat of a bike. Join a group ride to tour public art installations on a new iteration of the Bike the Arts Bonus: The new culture-wrapped Link Bike also will be unveiled! The ride departs from Don Crawford Plaza (Fifth Third Field) at 6:30 p.m.

This Saturday, May 7th, The Oregon District is celebrating The Kentucky Derby.Many of the business will host interactive games and races for guests to complete from 3pm-7pm. Some of the activities include:

This event is intended highlight the independent nature of the Oregon District businesses and community through fun, sometimes silly, and often quirky activities.Other Downtown Activities
Downtown Dayton will be hoping this weekend! In addition to The Oregon Districts’ Derby Day festivities, the Downtown Dayton Partnership is hosting their Downtown Housing Tour from 1pm to 5pm. Plus with college graduation and Mother’s Day, Downtown Dayton is the premiere destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

The Dames of the District
The Derby Day activities were organized by the Dames of the District, a newly-founded group made up of women who own businesses in the Oregon District. Their mission is to empower female leadership; act as resources for one another; promote the independent, locally-owned businesses of the Oregon District; and, provide the larger community with the vital perspectives offered by women business owners.

The group came together when Amelia O’Dowd, proprietress of BRIM, noticed the significant number of independent neighborhood businesses, either partially, or entirely owned by women. “When I started ‘Dames,’ I hand wrote invitations to all of the women business owners I could think of. I wrote five a day for a week. I knew there were a lot of us, but I didn’t realize how many until I wrote those invitations,” explained O’Dowd. “Getting all these women in a room — from people who just started to women who have been at it for decades — shifted all of our perspectives. We realized we were bigger. And if we didn’t know that we were such a big group, people outside the District definitely didn’t.”
The ‘Dames’ meet monthly and focus on programming and promotion for individual businesses and for the Oregon District as a whole.

Women-Owned Oregon District Businesses include*:
*not all business owners are ‘Dames’ participants